Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
• Python
• Qt toolkit
• PyQt (Python bindings for the Qt toolkit)
Now you know what it's made of, let's see what it does. Quantum Navi-
gator provides basic routing and navigation capabilities on a road map.
With the proper road data (a shapefile), you can select the start and end
points of your route and the application will calculate a route based on
your criteria, whether it be the shortest, fastest, or most economic path.
The route obeys all rules of the road, such as one-way streets and turn
restrictions.
Quantum Navigator additionally includes a GPS simulator that can
be programmed by creating waypoints on the map by clicking at the
appropriate places and specifying a speed value. When in navigation
mode, the application provides information about upcoming turns as
you approach them.
with an economic route outlined in blue with waypoints visible along
the way. In case you're wondering, this application was not developed
to provide actual in-car navigation with a GPS. It was done as part of
a thesis and, per the author,
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serves as a good example of creating a
custom application with the Quantum GIS API and Python.
OpenOceanMap
Faced with deploying a means to collect fisheries data in the field,
Ecotrust
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developed OpenOceanMap, a decision support tool based on
open source software. Rather than deploy a fleet of commercial soft-
ware, Ecotrust developed the custom application using QGIS, Qt, and
Python. This low-cost approach provided a lean interface that simplifies
data collection in the field. It also avoids the complication and confu-
sion that can result when you embed your functionality inside a full-
blown desktop GIS. This stripped-down approach provides a workable
cross-platform solution that can be efficiently deployed in the field. In
Martin Dobias,
http://mapserver.sk/~wonder/qnavigator/
6.
7.
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